Former UBS Financial Advisor Suspended and Fined Over Unauthorized Trading Allegations
From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) suspended a former UBS Wealth Management USA broker for three months and fined him $10,000 after finding that he executed hundreds of trades in two customers' accounts without the required written authorization.
Mark L. Sullivan, who worked in New York City, executed 581 trades in the two customers' accounts between January 2021 and June 2024, according to FINRA. Although the customers authorized Sullivan to execute the trades, they did not provide the written approval required for the transactions, and their accounts did not operate on a discretionary basis, as reported by AdvisorHub.
FINRA also found that Sullivan incorrectly marked the trades as unsolicited. As a result, the firm maintained inaccurate records concerning the transactions. AdvisorHub reports that FINRA determined that Sullivan violated rules prohibiting unauthorized trading and its catch-all rule requiring high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade.
Sullivan admitted FINRA's findings without admitting or denying the allegations, according to the Acceptance, Waiver and Consent ("AWC"). FINRA opened its investigation after UBS submitted a Form U5 termination notice concerning Sullivan.
UBS terminated Sullivan in July 2024. Four months later, he registered with Procyon, a Dynasty Financial Partners-backed registered investment adviser. Dynasty announced that Sullivan managed approximately $800 million in client assets. Procyon terminated his employment after less than two years, according to a company spokesperson. His registration with Procyon ended in March, according to Securities and Exchange Commission records.
Eccleston Law LLC represents investors and financial advisors nationwide in securities, employment, transition, regulatory, and disciplinary matters.
Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, finra, unauthorized trading, broker misconduct, ubs wealth management, finra disciplinary action





